Innovative Learning
for Lifelong Success

Mr. Jared Lucow, Canadian/American, has been the ECC-ES Music Teacher at The American School since August 2022. During his teaching career he has taught in Southeast Asia since 2009. He taught at BIS Phuket, Phuket Academy of Performing Arts, and IB MYP at UWC Thailand. He has also performed music all around the world, including Spain, Italy, France, Cuba, South Korea, Canada, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Singapore, Vietnam, New York City and the Canary Islands. He has played guitar for over 30 years. Mr. Jared holds the following degrees and certifications: Master’s in Teaching Elementary Education, from City University of Seattle. Bachelor of Jazz Guitar Performance at Humber College in Toronto, Canada Washington State Teacher Certification PYP Category 1 Certification As an instructor, Jared prides himself on inspiring each and every student to help them foster their own creativity and sense of self through creating, sharing, and musical discovery. But, most of all to have fun and experience the joy of making music together. His combination of performance and teaching experience allows him to create individualized plans to help each student grow and succeed in their own way. Jared is thrilled to have this opportunity to continue to support the students and faculty at TAS.

Mr. Julius Lagare was born in The Philippines and so began his life of dance. As a young dancer, he received the Youth Achiever Awards for both Excellence and Artistic Discipline. He changed directions, putting himself as choreographer and went on to win 1st prize in a national competition. Shortly after, Julius got a call from Japan inviting him to perform as a representative of The Philippines in Fukuoka. Dance later carried him away to Atlanta, Georgia in America where he became the Principal Dancer in the Atlanta Festival Ballet and company-guest member of Ballethnic Dance Company. Mr. Julius holds the following degrees and certifications: Bachelor of Arts Major in Mass Communication at Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges. National Association of Teachers of Dancing / Contemporary Dance. Imperial Classical Ballet, Imperial Society Teachers of Dancing. 120-Hour TESOL Certificate Course, International Open Academy. Mr. Julius incorporates his extensive background in hip-hop, classical ballet, and contemporary dance. Fusing any types of dances in teaching, to create new movements or Avant Garde Dance.

Mr. Loc has been a teacher at TAS since August 2023. Mr. Loc has worked as an English teacher for elementary schools at public and private schools. With a new role at TAS, Mr. Loc hopes to bring students interesting knowledge about Vietnamese as well as learn with them the unique features of Vietnamese traditions. Mr. Loc holds the following degrees and certifications: BA English Studies, Ho Chi Minh City University of Foreign Languages and Information Technology (HUFLIT) Teaching English as a second language (TESOL 120h) certificate Pedagogical Certificate for Teaching English in Primary School PYP Category 1 Certification While working at The American School, I can see the multiculturalism between countries around the world clearly demonstrated in my foreign students. I hope I can help students in other countries understand more about Vietnamese as well as learn about the beauty of Vietnam.

Ms. Jessica has been with TAS as Middle-High School Music Teacher since August 2019. She graduated from a prestigious music conservatory, and has 19 years of experience teaching music, including at The British International School (BIS) and European International School (EIS), both in Ho Chi Minh City. During her tenure, she has developed a strong music curriculum and organized several successful performances. Ms. Jessica’s qualifications include: Bachelor of Piano Performance from HCMC Conservatory of Music Bachelor of English Languages from HCMC Open University Ms. Jessica is enthusiastic about nurturing students’ musical talents and fostering a love for learning. Her teaching style creates a lively and engaging learning atmosphere, enabling students to unleash their creativity and musical skills. She provides a safe environment for students to learn and grow through trial and error and encourages a supportive community. Ms. Jessica is excited about the many years of creative collaborations to come!Washington D.C. Teacher’s License A CELTA certification Mr. Reede aims to instill in his students a love for literature, language, and philosophy. He hopes that students will use the tools gained in his class to consider the big-picture aspects of their lives and learn to navigate and examine the beauty and absurdity of our time on this planet.

Mr. Loc has been a teacher at TAS since August 2023. Mr. Loc has worked as an English teacher for elementary schools at public and private schools. With a new role at TAS, Mr. Loc hopes to bring students interesting knowledge about Vietnamese as well as learn with them the unique features of Vietnamese traditions. Mr. Loc holds the following degrees and certifications: BA English Studies, Ho Chi Minh City University of Foreign Languages and Information Technology (HUFLIT) Teaching English as a second language (TESOL 120h) certificate Pedagogical Certificate for Teaching English in Primary School PYP Category 1 Certification While working at The American School, I can see the multiculturalism between countries around the world clearly demonstrated in my foreign students. I hope I can help students in other countries understand more about Vietnamese as well as learn about the beauty of Vietnam.

Mr. Bryan Turner has been with TAS since August 2023. After growing up in North Carolina, USA, Mr. Turner began his teaching career in South Korea teaching ESL. After teaching in all grade levels for 10 years, he went back to the states and obtained his Master of Arts Degree in Teaching and obtained a teaching license for Elementary Education. After teaching in North Carolina, he went back overseas to Taiwan and taught ESL once more. However, his bachelor’s degree was in Art and he always wanted to get back to his real passion of working in the arts. Having incorporated many project-based learning activities in his teaching career, he is happy to engage with his students and share his passion for art with them at TAS. He hopes to continue to promote a creative and imaginative classroom environment where students can express themselves visually through projects throughout the year. Mr. Turner holds the following degrees and licenses: Master of Art Degree in Teaching from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington BA in Art from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte State of North Carolina teaching license in Elementary Education (K-6) PYP Category 1 Certification Mr. Turner enjoys traveling, experiencing new cultures, and tasting delicious food from around the world. In addition to exploring new places, his main hobby is woodburning popular animation characters and reading graphic novels. through the projects throughout the year. Mr. Turner holds the following degrees and license: BA in Art from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Master’s Degree of Arts in Teaching from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington State of North Carolina teaching license in Elementary Education (K-6) Mr. Turner enjoys traveling, experiencing new cultures, and tasting delicious food from around the world. In addition to exploring new places, his main hobby is woodburning popular animation characters and reading graphic novels.

Mr. David Hayter, Long Beach, California, USA, has been a Middle-High School Social Studies teacher at TAS since August 1, 2021, and Social Studies Department Head beginning August 1, 2022. In his professional career, Mr. Hayter has taught English as a Foreign Language for the Yokkaichi Board of Education at numerous junior high schools, elementary schools, and kindergartens starting in 2014 in Mie, Japan while holding the role of Lead English Language instructor for the city. In addition, he taught English to and tutored students in bilingual and international schools in Ho Chi Minh City starting in 2019. Before entering the world of teaching, Mr. Hayter spent many years working in a variety of roles ranging from retail and customer service to research in higher education and private security. In addition, Mr. Hayter has worked with international organizations and teachers to create self-paced, blended learning environments that help each student reach their full potential. Mr. Hayter holds the following degrees and certifications: MEd in Curriculum and Instruction – Generalist at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK, USA BA in History, International Studies, & Japanese at California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, USA AA in Pacific Rim Culture with a focus on Japanese and Liberal Arts at Long Beach City College, Long Beach, CA, USA Certificate Teaching English as a Foreign Language at International TEFL and TESOL Training Social Studies Grade 7-12 Standard Teaching License from the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education, Washington DC, USA Qualified Teacher Status from the United Kingdom Department for Education, Manchester, England, UK Instructional Leadership Certificate at Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, MA, USA In addition, Mr. Hayter is currently working (on a part time basis) towards his Graduate Certificate in Principalship at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK, USA Mr. Hayter incorporates his extensive background in studying and analyzing world cultures and significant events to design social studies lessons that work towards helping students develop strong analytical, collaborative, and technical skills. During his time at TAS, he has taught and developed many classes including 9th-grade English Language Arts, World Geography, Contemporary US History, Early US History, Modern World History, Southeast Asian Studies, Sociology, Psychology, and AP Psychology. He is excited to continue working with TAS team to help students figure out what they want to accomplish in life and how they can do it while positively impacting the local and global community.

Mr Dan joined The American School team in March 2025 as the Elementary School Counsellor. Mr Dan is a passionate, accomplished and versatile education professional with a solid academic foundation in Psychology, and is currently completing his MSc in Psychology. Mr Dan has a deep interest in the integration of creative arts into social work and mental health intervention with over 20 years of practice across UK and Asia. Mr Dan believes in empowering individuals through tailored support, collaboration, and innovative problem-solving to achieve lasting positive outcomes for learners and communities. Mr Dan spent over 15 years working in the United Kingdom as a youth music leader designing government-accredited courses and mentorship programs for at-risk children through music and creative arts. During this time Mr Dan worked with a range of vulnerable children including young offenders and children with complex socio-emotional behavioural disorders. In 2014 Mr Dan relocated to Vietnam where he trained as a Behaviour Therapist working with respected mental health providers in HCMC providing highly structured Applied Behaviour Analysis programs with children displaying a range of developmental learning delays. Aside from the BSc Psychology, Mr Dan holds an ● ABA therapist license ● CELTA ● Suicide Awareness Cert ● CBT diploma ● Drug Awareness for Young People Cert. In his spare time Mr Dan enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, cycling and making digital music in his project studio.

Mr. Michael has been with The American School since August 2022 and will be the Elementary School EAL teacher for the 2024/2025 school year. Mr. Michael Santiago was born in a small town in Pennsylvania, USA and has been living in Vietnam since 2017. He is happily married, with a beautiful young daughter. Mr. Michael’s teaching career started with the US Peace Corps. He served as a teacher in the Kyrgyz Republic where he was able to help foster an environment of inclusive and innovative educational practices. Mr. Michael has since gone on to work in various other countries in Asia such as Tajikistan, China, Laos and of course Vietnam. Mr. Santiago holds the following degrees and certifications: Master of International Education, Framingham University (in progress) Masters of International Affairs, Concordia University Irvine Bachelor of Education, Indiana University of Pennsylvania US Peace Corps Teacher Certification TESOL Certificate, Concordia University Irvine WIDA Certified PYP Category 1 Certification In his capacity as an educator, Mr. Michael holds a deep-seated commitment to sparking inspiration within every student and dedication to nurturing their innate creativity and self-awareness. Through interactive learning, collaborative activities, and exploration of diverse educational methods, he seeks to cultivate a profound sense of joy and fulfillment in the shared journey of academic discovery. Drawing upon his experience and knowledge, Mr. Michael designs lesson plans tailored to the unique strengths and needs of each student, fostering holistic growth and development in a supportive and inclusive learning environment. In Mr. Michael’s free time he enjoys writing and spending time with his family.

Mr. Christopher Goode, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA, has been named TAS Middle-High School English Language Arts Teacher and WASC Accreditation Coordinator. He has been working in education since 2013, during which time he has taught history, geography, math, science, and English language arts in American Curriculum International Schools at the primary and secondary levels. Additional professional accomplishments include serving as English Language Arts Department Head, serving on three WASC Accreditation Visiting Committees, chairing an action plan committee for student personal and academic support, and directing a photography club. Mr. Goode holds the following degrees and certifications: Ed. Educational Leadership, Southeastern Oklahoma State University (to be completed December 2024) A. Philosophy, Appalachian State University, N.C., USA Florida Professional Educator Certificate, State of Florida Department of Education Postgraduate Teaching Certificate, University of West Florida In his classroom, Mr. Goode integrates project-based learning, constructivism, and 21st Century Skills to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment, where students’ build upon their existing knowledge and experiences to construct new understandings and meaningfully engage with the ELA curriculum in the context of the current societal and technological landscape.

Brian Aldo, Connecticut, USA, is the ICT Department Head Middle-High School teacher who has worked at TAS since August 2022. Throughout his professional career, Brian has taught Computer Science in Vietnam, Thailand, and Mexico. Before starting a career in teaching, Brian spent many years working in the field of Information Technology. He has worked as a Cybersecurity Analyst, Technology Director, and Software Engineer. Brian is well versed in computer coding and has developed numerous applications, websites, and video games. Brian holds the following degrees and certifications. Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, Utah Certificate of Teaching, Computer Science, Arizona Board of Education Comptia Cybersecurity Analyst Certification Comptia Security+ Certification Comptia Network+ Certification Comptia IT Operations Specialist Certification Comptia Secure Infrastructure Specialist Certification Comptia A+ Certification Comptia Project+ Certification Amazon Cloud Practitioner Certification LPI Linux Essentials Certification IT Service Management Certification Brian incorporates his vast IT experience into his teaching methods, which allows students to learn hands-on skills that they can use in everyday life.

Mr. Marc Valenti has been named Elementary School Learning Support Specialist beginning August 1, 2024. Mr. Marc grew up in Chicago, Illinois, USA. He has been living in Vietnam since 2012. He first moved to Vietnam to teach English at ILA. While he was teaching English, Mr. Marc earned his Master’s in Elementary Education. He has spent the past 10 years teaching 3rd, 4th and 5th grade homeroom classes in two different international schools in Ho Chi Minh City. In the summer of 2023, he completed coursework in International School Counseling focusing on supporting students with different learning and social-emotional needs. He is excited to transition to a learning support role to help students achieve greater success in life and in the classroom. Mr. Marc holds the following degrees and certifications: Master of Education from The College of New Jersey, USA A. from the University of South Carolina, USA with a major in Mass Communications and a minor in Theater CELTA English Language Certificate from Cambridge, UK for young learners Certificate of International School Counseling from the Principal Training Center Florida, USA PYP Category 1 Certification Mr. Marc was a boat captain before he was a teacher and had training in Rescue SCUBA diving and firefighting. He worked in Hawaii, Alaska and Mexico. He enjoys traveling and has been to more than 30 countries and over half of the United States. His current favorite hobby is cooking and he is trying to master his family’s Italian spaghetti sauce inspired by his recent trip to Italy.